01
die Bindung
bond
A close emotional or social relationship between people.
example
Die frühe Bindung zwischen Mutter und Kind ist sehr wichtig für die Entwicklung.
The early bond between mother and child is very important for development.
die Bindung
bond / binding
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Bindung' (bond/binding) is derived from the verb 'binden' (to bind). The ending '-ung' forms a noun that describes the result of binding. This idea of connection appears in all meanings, from emotional relationships to chemical forces.
EXAMPLE
Ein Seil dient zum Binden von Gegenständen.
A rope is used for tying objects.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'Bindung' becomes clear from context. If it is about people, an emotional relationship is meant. With contracts, it is about an obligation. Words like 'Ski' (ski), 'Buch' (book), or 'Atom' (atom) point to the respective technical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die chemische Bindung im Wassermolekül ist sehr stabil.
The chemical bond in the water molecule is very stable.
Preposition 'zu'
When an emotional relationship to a person or group is described, the preposition 'zu' is used with the dative. The pattern is: eine Bindung zu jemandem haben/aufbauen (to have/build a bond with someone).
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr enge Bindung zu seinen Großeltern.
He has a very close bond with his grandparents.
Typical adjectives
An emotional bond is often described with the adjectives 'eng' (close), 'stark' (strong), 'fest' (firm), or 'tief' (deep).
EXAMPLE
Trotz der Entfernung hatten die Geschwister eine starke Bindung.
Despite the distance, the siblings had a strong bond.
Preposition 'an'
For an obligation toward a company, a contract, or an idea, the preposition 'an' is used with the accusative. The pattern is: die Bindung an etwas (the binding commitment to something).
EXAMPLE
Die lange Vertragsdauer sorgt für eine starke Bindung an den Anbieter.
The long contract term creates a strong binding obligation to the provider.
Typical expression
In connection with obligations, the expression 'eine Bindung eingehen' (to enter into a binding obligation) is very common. It means that you consciously decide to take on an obligation.
EXAMPLE
Bevor Sie eine vertragliche Bindung eingehen, sollten Sie alles genau lesen.
Before you enter into a contractual obligation, you should read everything carefully.
Register: technical language
In the context of winter sports, 'die Bindung' (the binding) is a technical term for the mechanism that connects the ski boot to the ski.
EXAMPLE
Die Bindung hat sich bei dem Sturz automatisch geöffnet.
The binding opened automatically during the fall.
Compare with
Bindung vs Band
ribbon / band
'das Band' and 'die Bindung' can both describe a close connection between people. 'das Band' sounds more figurative: you imagine something that holds people together. It is often used when you want to emphasize closeness or a sense of belonging. 'die Bindung' is more direct and means a stable emotional or social relationship, for example between a parent and child. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and both express closeness. 'Bindung' is often more factual or psychological, while 'Band' sounds somewhat more poetic or figurative.
Bindung
Eine sichere Bindung zum Kind ist für viele Eltern sehr wichtig.
A secure bond with the child is very important for many parents.
Band
Die lange Reise hat das Band zwischen den Freunden gestärkt.
The long trip strengthened the bond between the friends.
In real life
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